Abstract:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to April 2017 in three purposefully selected districts (Wegera, Gondar Zuria and Chillga) of North Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of hard tick infestation and to identify the tick species prevalent in the study areas. A total of 384 cattle (comprising 283 local and 101 cross breeds) were randomly selected (128 cattle for each district) and examined for the presence of ticks infestation. Out of the total examined animals, 215(56%) were found to be infested by one or more tick species. Four genera of ticks: Amblyomma, Boophilus (recently Rhipicephalus), Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma were identified. Amblyomma was the most dominant tick genera 68.16 % (n=1473) while Hyalomma 2.96% (64) was the least recorded genera in the study areas. Within the tick species identified, Amblyomma varigatum was the most abundant tick species found in the present study 57.3% (n=556) followed by R(B). decoloratus 17.95%, A. cohaerence 17.81%, R. evertsi evertsi 10.90%, A. lepidum 3.70% and H. marginatum 2.96%. However, in highland (Wegera) A. cohaerence, A. lepidum and H. marginatum were not recorded. The overall prevalence in relation with agroecology was significantly higher in lowlands and midlands than highland areas (P < 0.05). The sex-wise prevalence of tick infestation was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) (female 57.20% and male 54.05%). Breed, age, localities, body condition score and months were significantly (P < 0.05) associated factors with tick infestation in cattle. Tick infestation was higher during April while, it was lowest during February. Therefore, the higher occurrence of different species of ticks in lowland and midland agroecologies as well in cross breed cattle necessitates control measures against economically more important tick species.
